Shelby Beach Series by Skylar M. Cates

A Shelby Beach Romance. For a single dad and his neighbor, the Christmas competition is on! Julian Moss wants to give his children a happy Christmas. Since his divorce, Julian has no time for a social life; he’s been doing the tiring work of two parents while his cheating ex-husband dodges his responsibilities. If that isn’t stressful enough, he has to deal with his new—and ridiculously good-looking—neighbor and his noisy dogs... moreA Shelby Beach Romance. For a single dad and his neighbor, the Christmas competition is on! Julian Moss wants to give his children a happy Christmas. Since his divorce, Julian has no time for a social life; he’s been doing the tiring work of two parents while his cheating ex-husband dodges his responsibilities. If that isn’t stressful enough, he has to deal with his new—and ridiculously good-looking—neighbor and his noisy dogs. Christmas used to be Julian’s favorite holiday, but lately all he sees is the cost. Then Julian’s young son tells him about a Christmas lights competition with a much-needed prize. Leo Adams is going to be alone for Christmas…again. All he’s ever wanted is to be accepted by his family, but he knows that will never happen. Deciding to focus on his career as a personal trainer, Leo develops a boot camp program on the beach, but he needs publicity. The lights competition offers Leo a way to get some free press, and if it annoys his snooty neighbor Julian—all the better. The battle is on, and both Julian and Leo want to win. The stakes are high, the reward is great, and the neighbors are in it to win it. There’s nothing like a little competition to make Christmas at Shelby Beach extra merry and bright. less

What if the right person could change everything? Random hookups, saying “yes” to whatever, Zane thinks adulting should be easy. His childhood was a hard enough mess. After a health scare, however, Zane reevaluates his life and starts anew. When Zane meets Jordan, everything he secretly desires is finally in front of him. But Jordan Shelby’s family practically owns the town of Shelby Beach... moreWhat if the right person could change everything? Random hookups, saying “yes” to whatever, Zane thinks adulting should be easy. His childhood was a hard enough mess. After a health scare, however, Zane reevaluates his life and starts anew. When Zane meets Jordan, everything he secretly desires is finally in front of him. But Jordan Shelby’s family practically owns the town of Shelby Beach. Why would Jordan take a guy like Zane seriously? Jordan only wants swimming lessons, so hiring Zane might have been a huge mistake. Even if Jordan resists Zane for now, the mere sight of the beautiful trainer fills him with yearning. Swimming isn’t Jordan’s only anxiety. Being nonbinary, Jordan’s dating life—hell, his life in general—isn’t always clear. Can he really trust Zane with his body? His heart? Testing the Waters is a romance with a gender-fluid MC, a hurt/comfort trope, and a guaranteed happy ending. Although it is in the Shelby Beach series, Testing the Waters can be read as a standalone. Note: Please look inside the copyright page for mentions of potential triggers. less

Longing to escape a terrible workday, when the opportunity for a hookup with a stranger arrives, Matteo goes for it. Unfortunately, it ends badly…really badly. Worse, when Matteo confronts the hookup a few months later, he challenges the wrong guy. Oops.Levi is determined to find his no-good brother, but he never expects to need the help of one flabbergasted and adorable small-town librarian in a bow tie... moreLonging to escape a terrible workday, when the opportunity for a hookup with a stranger arrives, Matteo goes for it. Unfortunately, it ends badly…really badly. Worse, when Matteo confronts the hookup a few months later, he challenges the wrong guy. Oops.Levi is determined to find his no-good brother, but he never expects to need the help of one flabbergasted and adorable small-town librarian in a bow tie. As the two embark on a friendship, Levi slowly lets go of past hurts and opens his heart to Matteo, and the intensity between them builds. Matteo isn’t usually assertive, but he finds his voice with Levi. Finally free to be himself, Levi welcomes this new feeling of being desired.When Levi’s brother resurfaces, Matteo and Levi must fight for what they want. But can two shy men who have always been about others, learn to risk it all, putting love—and themselves—first? less

Their lives didn't turn out as they'd imagined as boys, but they never forgot each other.Personal trainer Oliver Knox is strong and graceful, dedicated to his clients, and fiercely loyal to friends and family. But the thing he takes pride in the most, his business, is failing.Single father and entrepreneur Nico Kastellanos knows success is hard-won and tries to give back to those who, like him, have to fight for their dreams. His one regret is how things ended with his childhood best friend... moreTheir lives didn't turn out as they'd imagined as boys, but they never forgot each other.Personal trainer Oliver Knox is strong and graceful, dedicated to his clients, and fiercely loyal to friends and family. But the thing he takes pride in the most, his business, is failing.Single father and entrepreneur Nico Kastellanos knows success is hard-won and tries to give back to those who, like him, have to fight for their dreams. His one regret is how things ended with his childhood best friend. Their friendship and their secret kisses linger in his mind.When Oliver unwittingly hires Nico’s PR firm to breathe life into his failing gym, their connection rekindles instantly. The chemistry is potent, the memories heart-wrenching. They're no longer awkward, troubled kids. They are men who know what—and who—they want.Will Oliver and Nico finally get their long-overdue forever together, or will the ghosts from their past continue to haunt them? less